Labour leader Joseph Muscat told representatives of the Medical Association of Malta at a meeting yesterday that the Labour Party is proud to have introduced free healthcare in Malta and it will ensure that the system continues to improve.

This is a highly important sector for the country and the people and it is therefore absolutely unacceptable that the sector remains in crisis, with the present government showing most clearly that it does not know how to deal with the situation, Dr Muscat said.

The Labour leader praised the commitment of doctors, nurses and paramedics and said that had it not been for their dedication, the crisis in the health sector would be much worse than it is. For the PL, he added, it is a matter of concern to see the state Mater Dei Hospital is in where administration is involved, with 7,500 people ending in corridors last year, waiting to be alloted a bed where to be treated.

There are challenges to face in the near future, with the introduction of European rights for patients which will continue burdening the system, so we have to start preparing ourselves now, Dr Muscat said.

The party’s vision, he added, is to find lasting solutions which would be sustainable. The government needs continually to consult about situations, and discuss solutions with all those involved in the sector, not just call them only to join some task force when there is a crisis.

Dr Muscat said there has to be synergy between the government and the private sector in health; they could not have the government going its way, and the private sector doing the same.

Martin Balzan, on behalf of the MAM, said there was a need for dialogue on the health sector to continue. This was why the MAM wants to hear the ideas and vision of the political parties on the sector.